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Phase Four selected by U.S. Air
Force to adapt Maxwell in-space engine for defense needs

March 17, 2020

Phase Four has been awarded an SBIR
Phase I contract by Air Force tech accelerator AFWERX,
in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory
and the National Security Innovation Network.

As part of this partnership,
beginning in March 2020, Phase Four will work with the
Air Force to adapt its revolutionary Maxwell in-space
propulsion system to meet the needs of defense users.

Affordable and reliable in-space
propulsion is an essential requirement for both
commercial and defense next-generation satellite
constellations. The Phase Four radio-frequency thruster
(RFT) is the first solution to address the cost,
manufacturing, and performance needs of high volume
satellite constellations. Its simple architecture allows
manufacturing to scale up easily, and accommodates a
wide range of solid, liquid, and gas propellants. In
turn, these features potentially open an even wider
range of mission possibilities, including missions in
deep space and very low Earth orbit.

Maxwell is a complete in-space
propulsion system built on Phase Four's RFT. It includes
power electronics, software, and a pressurized storage
vessel for 1 kg of xenon, providing over 10,000 Ns of
impulse. Maxwell is delivered in an enclosure smaller
than 19 cm x 19 cm x 14 cm. Customer deliveries began
earlier this month.

"We're proud to be selected by the
Air Force as one of its potential technology partners.
This is a great example of how Phase Four's commercial
success with Maxwell in the private sector can translate
to defense needs," said Beau Jarvis, CEO.

"With space now a contested domain,
we look forward to collaborating with the Air Force to
provide United States space assets with the superior
maneuverability and resiliency required to ensure
mission success," added Jason Wallace, Vice President of
Advanced Development.